Book Review: Love Anthony

By Lisa Genova

Published by: Gallery Books September 25, 2012

Pages: 320

Source: E-galley from Edelweiss and Gallery Books in consideration of a review




Beth lives on Nantucket with her husband Jimmy and three young daughters, her world is rocked when she receives a note that her husband is cheating on her. This changes everything, Beth kicks him out, decides she needs to return to what has made her happy in the past.  She knows she has to write again, and there is a voice, a voice of a young boy that is speaking to her.

Olivia moves to Nantucket in March, not a pretty time of year to go to the island, but she and her husband have separated, and she will now be living in their summer/investment property.  Her mood matches the scenery, cold, desolate and alone.  While Olivia has visited the island many times in happier and warmer times this is a very new stark experience.  Without her husband or her son, her life is nearly empty.  She knows she's going to have to move on, but moving closer to her family in Georgia isn't the answer so she's taking time to contemplate on Nantucket.  When the "season" on the island begins Olivia takes out her camera and offers her services for portraits on the beach or local spots. 

Beth and Olivia formally meet when Beth hires Olivia to take pictures of she and her girls, new portraits to replace the family ones she tore up and threw away, the ones that had pictures of Jimmy in them.  Neither of the women meeting before, years before on the beach.  Olivia's son Anthony was lining up smooth white stones on the sand, Beth was trying to round up her girls...it's an image that will remind both women of a sweet but painfully quiet little boy..........a boy that will bring them together. 


Anthony, Olivia's son, and the voice that Beth hears as she writes, is this the same boy?  The voice and the coincidences are eerily similar and yet there is no explanation as to how this voice is coming to Beth. 

Lisa Genova writes about real people with neurological problems, and in Love Anthony she has again captured a story that pulls you in, wanting to know more.  While the topic of autism may seem sad and heartbreaking, I must say that in the end this book shows so much hope and love it's quite beautiful.  Genova weaves the stories of two women, both broken and in need of healing, broken marriages are one theme the other the love of a parent.  These are things many can relate to, and Genova takes no short cuts in showing the pain and honesty of how things can be torn apart and in some instances repaired and in others there is no chance for that.  I loved how Genova took the very common question of why, why me why my child and tried to give it a new perspective, not really an answer but a point of view I'll not soon forget. 

If you have enjoyed Still Alice and Left Behind, I think you will enjoy this new book from Lisa Genova.  I admit I believe Still Alice to be her finest work to date, but this book touched me, gave me much to think about.  I've given it a 4 out of 5 stars.  I'm sending a print copy off to a dear friend tomorrow.  She has a friend with a now 21 year old son with severe autism.  He now lives in an adult group home, but his life and that of his parents has been forever changed.  His parents work tirelessly to support autism research, and I hope each person who reads this book will be a bit more informed and concerned about autism. 

Book Review: These Things Hidden

Written by : Heather Gudenkauf

Published by: Recorded Books 2011/ Print:: Mira Books

Narrated by: Ali Ahn, Angela Lin, Angela Goethais

Length: 9 hours and 12 minutes

Source: Purchased from Audible


Allison Glenn is being released from prison as this book begins.  She is happy to be being released after just five years, and she is anxious to attempt to start her young life again, she is just 21 years old.  She must move to a half way house, as her parents want nothing to do with her.  Her shocking crime has left everyone in her hometown of Linden Falls to gossip and speculate about what happened to the girl who had everything.  Her younger sister Brynn knows all the secrets of what happened to Allison that night when it all went wrong.  Brynn has never talked to anyone about it, she left after her own high school graduation and is now living with her grandmother and hoping to remain anonymous.  Allison knows she must talk to Brynn, to learn more about the secrets they have both been keeping.

This book was so very well done, I was eager to pop in my ear buds or drive in my car so I had time to hear more about Allison and what was going to happen next.  Yes her crime shocked me, and yes the twists just keep coming.  While I thought I had much of it figured out I was never quite right about the truth.  My heart went out to Allison, trying so hard to make things right despite her past.  I also understood why her sister might want to stay removed from the past.  I thought her parent's harsh treatment a bit extreme, but I also know that some offenses are difficult to forgive.  Allison is lucky to have an outstanding young lawyer, and the woman who runs the half way house is really in her corner too.  Those relationships gave me a warm feeling.  There are other characters in the book that are key to the secrets, but I was unable to complete the puzzle until the very shocking end.

Allison the once golden girl in this book is the key to everything.  I loved how Gudenkauf took a much loved star in her small town and turned her into a villain.  I think our culture and society are quick to judge, often without all the facts.  Allison plead guilty and there was no trial, so no one really knew the truth.  As in life this story showed other people trying to do good and selfless things to help or protect innocent victims.  Relationships between parents and their children were twisted in all sorts of ways, with Allison, and another character, Charm.  We meet adoptive mother Claire Kelby who could not be more caring and loving of her young son.  So many interesting circumstances that bring all these people together.  

The audio narration used three voices to give unique characterization to each key role.  I think this really helped make the production better.

I had been meaning to read or listen to this book since last year, the synopsis sounded very good to me and I wasn't disappointed.  I've given this book a 4 out of 5 stars and if you are a mystery or suspense lover I think you would really enjoy this one.  I'm planning to read Heather Gudenkauf's other two books as soon as I can. 

Book Review: The Meryl Streep Movie Club

Written By:  Mia March

Published By: Gallery Books June 2012

Pages: 352

Source: ARC picked up from work


I'd like to start by saying this book is my first review for a newish website, She Reads.  I'm excited to be part of a group of book bloggers that will be sharing our thoughts on a monthly chosen book.  Along with the reviews there will be interviews with the author, and a book chat.  Please check out the site, it's full of great books, and book chit chat:).

June and Isabel lose their parents in a tragic car accident that also takes the life of their uncle.  They are 16 and 13 and then live with their Aunt Lolly and cousin Kat.  Lolly owns a lovely bed and breakfast in Maine, The Three Captains Inn, and she raises the girls the best she can after their loss.  Isabel falls in love with Edward, whom she met after her parents death as he was a teen grief counselor.  They marry and now fifteen years later she appears to live a charmed life.  Her sister June grows up and attends college in NYC.  One lost weekend of love leads to a young motherhood, single to boot.  She never forgets John but has no way to find him, she's tried.  Her life has lead her to a safe role as book store manager and mom to now seven year old Charlie.  Kat stayed at the Inn with her mom, and she's become an excellent baker.  She aspires to travel and to open her own bakery at some point.  At the request of Aunt Lolly Isabel and June are summoned home for an announcement, not even Kat knows the news that will change their lives forever.

The back story of these four women doesn't really tell much about this lovely book.  When the girls are reunited they do learn a secret, and they vow to stick together and face this challenge together.  They pick up old traditions together, one being Movie Night at the Inn, and as it happens as they reunite it's Meryl Streep Movie month and through a series of wonderful movies they talk, share, and learn much more about each other.  The first movie was The Bridges of Madison County, perhaps my very favorite movie starring Ms. Streep.   The discussion was likely what many of us have had with our own friends, fidelity, love, passion, what we ourselves would do in a similar situation.  I loved it all!! 

This book was such a comfy, warm read.  It had some predictable outcomes, and some very sad twists, but in all I felt very happy reading it.  Mia March did a wonderful job creating different thoughts on each of the movies and of sharing how very diverse and lovely the movies of Meryl Streep are.  I had many questions about the book when others saw the cover, in fact my own sister was sad I didn't finish the book while in Texas last week, but rest assured I will be sending it to her.  I've given this book a 4 out of 5 stars, I enjoyed it very much.  I think this book would make a super book club choice, and I'd follow it up with a movie and some popcorn.  By the way....I've got new movies to watch after reading this book........and old ones to review.

You can learn more about Mia March on her website. 

Happy Friday!!!

Good Morning!!  I've been in Texas since Tuesday morning, and I'm taking a quick minute to say hi and update.

My mom is doing very well since her surgery, she is moving doing a bit more each day.  I am so pleased she is healing well.  Monday she returns to the surgeon to have the staples removed.  It's been good to help her out, do small things for her and enjoy her company. 

Daddy is temporarily living in the building next door, in an assisted living memory care unit.  He has a small guest apartment and has three meals a day.  He actually went down to the painting activity yesterday!!  This is not my father usually.  This is where is should probably be living, if he didn't have my mom's help he would be.  The staff is phenominal, so kind and professional yet caring at what they do.  The garden is lovely and I plan on having coffee with him out there this morning!!  Even through dementia and Parkinson's Disease I still see glimpses of my dad, and when I do it makes me smile and and so happy to have him with us.  Aging is not for wimps, it's often difficult and robs the person of much of who they were.  That's for another day I think. 

I've also had a little time with my sister, Ouida...she is the best!!  Much of this has been hard on her, she's the oldest and takes on the largest part of the caregiver role for my folks.  I love her so much, and yet worry about the stress this brings to her.  I'll be having lunch with her today before my flight home. 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend....and folks, if you still have your parents in your life, take a minute to hug or call them.....I can't do it enough now!!! 

Catching Up

Last week was a short work/school week, but felt oh so busy.  I completed one audio and one read book, and reviewed both.  I have NO backlog and now I'm just working at the pace I'm reading/listening, and not doing such a great job. 

I worked three days, having a good time selling books.  I am giddy when a new book releases and I have so much to say about it.  I was thrilled to be chatting up Hemingway's Girl!!  I'm also finding more people who adore Gillian Flynn, how could I have been missing her for so long? 

Thursday Nick and the freshman football team had their first game.  They sadly lost 20-27, but I think they played well.  I captured this picture of a rainbow over the goal post.  The game had a delayed start because of rain, but oh what a beautiful site.  Nick is #18, he's on the right side in the goal area.

My mom had surgery on Friday for a very large hernia.  She stayed two nights in the hospital and is now home recovering.  My dad is currently staying in Asst living apartment in their complex.  My mom can't really help him and this is a good place for him.  It's a special memory care unit, and he's doing well. 

Saturday night Nick had his first high school homecoming.  My young man is quite handsome. 
The girl is just a friend, actually she's a senior...and she even picked him up...ha ha.  He said he had a good time.

 

I'm heading to Texas tomorrow to give my mom a hand while she recovers for a few days.  I don't feel as well as I usually do when it comes to leaving things set up for Nick and Kevin, but it's getting there and I know they will be fine.  I'm also going to be able to see a writer I met in February .  Kellie Coates Gilbert has just had her first book published by  Abingdon Press, Mother of Pearl. Please click on the link to learn more about Kellie.  I can't wait to sit and chat with her, she's just home from her book launch in her home state of Idaho!!  

I'm hoping to publish a review tomorrow of The Meryl Streep Movie Club, a wonderful debut novel by Mia March.  It will be my first post and introduction to my readers to a new book club blog....She Reads!! 

Have a wonderful week my friends!!!!

Book Review: Sharp Objects

By  Gillian Flynn

Narrated by:Ann Marie Lee

Length:  9.5 hours

Published by: Random House Audio 2006/Shaye Areheart Books

Source: Borrowed from library



The success of Gillian Flynn's third book, Gone Girl, led me to search out her previous works.  Since my reading and listening time is always pushed and pulled I opted for the audio of this book.  Wow!

Camille Preaker is working for a small Chicago newspaper when she is assigned a story in her former hometown in Missouri.  She takes the assignment, digging up details of two murdered young girls, with grizzly similarities, and no obvious suspects.  Camile has been gone over 10 years, now in her early 30's and she's none too thrilled to returning home.  She's also just been released from a stay in a psychiatric hospital.  Camille has a secret, one that is always with her, she's a cutter, not just cuts, but words, harsh words all over her body, words like wicked, harmful, whore, girl.

Flynn introduces us to Camille's mother, Adora, and her stepfather, Alan as Camille stops by their home unannounced, and informs them of her assignment and her intentions of staying with them.  They seem surprised, shocked even, but they relent.  Camille's twisted youth all unfolds as the story weaves between the research of the two murders and the uncovering of her sister, her life and death.  We meet younger half sister Amma, a thirteen year old who seems intent on having it her way.  She's momma's little angel at home, and a flirtatious oversexed teen when out of her sight.

This book is dark and twisted and so intriguing, I was eager to find time to pop my ear buds in or play it when I was driving alone....with my busy August it wasn't easy to find that time!!  Gillian Flynn is a master at finding the most odd and bizarre characters, she wove their unique stories in and out of this book.  Small town people, now suspicious of each other, fearful, locking their doors, searching for the monster who has murdered these girls.  Classic murder tale, but the answers aren't so easy to find.

The narration at first concerned me, as the voice is very monotone, and then the more I listened I truly believe this was the perfect voice of Camille, slightly desensitized to the world.

I've given this book a 4 out of 5 stars, I really enjoyed it.  There were a few plot twists I predicted, but not all.  I'm still reading Gone Girl, it's been on my back burner for a month or so, I didn't complete it for book club, and other books have pushed it back, but I will get back to it, and I will be reading or listening to Dark Places and I am confident it will be another twisted tale.

Book Review: Hemingway's Girl

By Erika Robuck

Published by: NAL Trade

Pages: 352

Source: E-galley from  Edelweiss and NAL Trade/Penguin



Mariella Bennet is a young woman in 1935 Key West Florida.  She is the daughter of a Cuban mother and an American father, a mixture not readily accepted.  Her father has recently died, leaving Mariella the  to care for her grieving mother and two little sisters.  What she dreams of is having her own fishing boat, but the current market is glutted with fish in Key West.  Her father had many friends, and they try to help the family, and a referral leads Mariella to a job as a domestic in the home of Ernest Hemingway.  She immediately realizes why both men and women are drawn to him, he is charismatic and powerful, but he is married and much older than her.  Mariella enjoys a cold beer, a good fight, and to achieve this in her time she dresses in old clothes of her father, and on such an occasion, while betting on a fight, she meets WWI Veteran Gavin Murray.  She feels drawn to him, also an older man, but she wonders how she can care for her family, and keep Hemingway at bay too.

Where to begin with my thoughts on this book.  Wow, a powerful story of family in crisis and a young woman struggling to keep it all together, and yes also yearning for love.  The growth of Mariella is a beautiful story in itself.  She experiences tragedy, mystery, passion, and love.  The setting of Key West, at a time when much in our country was changing is so intriguing.  I knew very little of the struggles of the WWI  veterans and many of them helping build the Overseas Highway that connects US1 to all the Florida Keys.  Mariella and Gavin share their lives with so many others, watching family and friends struggle with the economic downturn in the Depression Era time, and yet they see the extravagance and sometimes waste of the Hemingway family. 

I read some Hemingway in college, but now, after reading this book, learning more of the many many friends and followers refer to as "Papa", I'm eager to jump in and read more of this work.  Most scholars agree that Hemingway changed how we view literature, and this compelling novel has pushed me back and thrilled to be searching for Hemingway again.

Erika Robuck has researched and woven this story in a way that will capture your time and imagination.  If you are like me the book will not want you to put it down.  It's an end of summer read that will leave you wanting more from Key West, and Papa, and wishing Mariella all her dreams come true.  I've given this book a 5 out of 5 stars and I highly recommend it to everyone.

You can follow Erika Robuck on facebook or twitter, and follow the link to her website. 

Weekly Catch Up

I've had a really good week...yay for me!!!  Last weekend I had quick trips/visits with both my girls.  How could they have forgotten things at home?  Ha....so the dutiful mom took things to them. 

The week was the most back to routine I've had in a long time, worked two days, volunteered at the high school, spent a lot of time reading, listening to audio book, and writing a bit too:). 

My son, Nick, has already been in school three and a half weeks.  He's liking his classes, and doing very well...proud mom!!  Freshman football game was moved from this week to end of season, the new helmets didn't arrive til late and they wanted the boys to practice more.  I cannot wait to see Nick play!!  He is so very excited. 

Update on the new boss for my hubs....it's going very well.  Kevin really likes him, and he's been a positive addition to the office. 

My folks have been having a really rough time.  My dad's dementia is really accelerating, in addition to the problems with Parkinson's Disease.  My mom is having a hard time sleeping, dad has restless leg, and he goes to bed too early, and often wakes after midnight feeling it's time to get up.  He is resistant to changing to two twin beds in their apartment, he's also not considering respite care where he could sleep occasionally and allow my mom to have the apartment to get better rest.  UGH.  My mom then told my sister she had a bump of some type in her stomach...this was in the parking lot of their Dr they just were leaving from an appointment with my dad....their shared Gerontologist!!  My sister in law took her in the next day, he was shocked at the size of this lump, he was sure it was a large hernia.  She had a CT scan and sure enough that's what it is.  She'll be seeing a surgeon on Wednesday, but her regular Dr isn't sure he will do surgery on her, she's 85 this month, so we are unsure of the next steps.  Many parts of aging are just awful!!! 

So Happy Labor Day to all...I hope you spend the day enjoying friends or family.  I'll be thinking of my dad, Charles Sanders.  A dedicated United Auto Worker since he was about 23.  My dad started in a Ford plant, worked his way up to local union president.  He then went to work for UAW International and began his long career of negotiating contracts and working for others.  There are good and bad things that labor unions have done in the US, but I grew up as a child who only saw the positives, and I always think of my dad, and the folks he worked with on Labor day.